ELAN: Universität Heidelberg

Because this is an ELAN-destination, the focus will be on Humanties. UCU students can only take courses from the Philosophical faculty

We recommend going in Spring, since that semester aligns better with the UCU academic year. Do note that you will have to arrange for housing yourself between the UCU Fall semester and the start of the semester at Heidelberg.

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2 students per semester

Fall Semester: October – February
Spring Semester: April – July

This destination has a language of instruction other than English. This means that you need to have at least a language proficiency level of CEFR B2 German. You need to complete German Language and Culture II (UCHUMGER21) or get an exemption from the UCU Language & Culture coordinator, and it is your own responsibility to achieve at least B2 German. This language requirement is partly for your own protection, so you can take courses at the same level as you do at UCU, and partly because we believe it allows you to have an experience abroad that is more immersive, enriching and culturally valuable to you.

At Heidelberg University, courses are taught in German and English.

Fall semester: 15 July
Spring semester: 15 January

See the Course Selection for the Faculty of Philosophy (in German). Please note that students from the ELAN programme can only attend courses in the Philosophical Faculty.

Heidelberg uses ECTS, just like UCU.

Heidelberg University uses letter grades just like UCU.

On-campus housing is available and, although pretty limited, Heidelberg makes an effort to reserve some of it for its international exchange students. They also assist you if you want to live in private accommodation. More information here.

Information about costs can be found here.

An three-day orientation programme which focusses on academic affairs is organised by the International Relations Office. More information here. There is also a buddy programme. 

Heidelberg is a city with some 150,000 inhabitants, 30,000 of which are students. It has a medieval historic center and a castle. Its climate is similar to Utrecht. For tourist information click here. 

Heidelberg University has about 30,000 students. It has several campuses throughout the city, but the Faculty of Philosophy’s buildings are spread throughout the old city center. 

The university organizes excursions and has a theater group. It also has many sports teams and facilities (although mainly in German). 

Heidelberg University is a new destination, and therefore we have not received feedback from our students yet. Be the first UCU student to explore Heidelberg!